The company's purpose is to publish books, magazines, sound and image carriers, as well as to acquire and hold participations of all kinds in Switzerland and abroad, and to finance them. The company may take over the management of the participation companies. It is also authorized to buy, hold and sell real estate and securities, as well as intellectual property rights. The company may acquire and grant licenses, take out and grant loans, acquire, manage and sell securities. The company may carry out all commercial and financial transactions that may be conducive to the realization of its purpose.